There’s something incredibly delightful about baking a batch of basic butter cookies at home. These cookies are simple yet utterly satisfying, with a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for spending time with loved ones. With their crisp edges and soft centers, these cookies are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a tea party or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after a long day. They are also fantastic for decorating, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): The star of the show, butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: This sweetener provides the necessary sweetness and helps achieve a golden color.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: This ingredient infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature): Egg yolk adds moisture and richness, resulting in tender cookies.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, flour gives the right structure and texture.
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top, this sugar adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and well combined.
2. Mix in the salt and pure vanilla extract, then add the egg yolk. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix just until incorporated, being careful not to over-mix.
4. Divide the dough into two equal halves, shape each into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until firm.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll one piece of dough to 1/8 inch thickness between two pieces of parchment paper. Cut cookies using floured 2 to 3-inch cookie cutters.
7. Place cookies 1 inch apart on the baking sheets and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 130 per cookie

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips: Be sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
• Variations: For an added twist, mix in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts. A tablespoon of lemon zest can add a refreshing citrus taste.

FAQ Section

1. How do I know when my cookies are done?
   Look for golden edges, and the center should appear slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

2. Can I use salted butter instead?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies.

3. What if my dough is too soft?
   Chill the dough for an additional 30 minutes before rolling it out.

4. How thick should I roll out the dough?
   Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness for optimal baking.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.

6. What baking sheets work best for this recipe?
   Use light-colored, non-stick baking sheets to ensure even baking.

People Also Ask (PAA) Expansion

1. What is the secret to buttery cookies?
   The key is using high-quality butter and allowing it to come to room temperature for proper mixing.

2. How do I make my cookies soft?
   Ensure you do not over-mix the dough and that you slightly under-bake them.

3. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
   Yes, adding a teaspoon of your favorite spice will give the cookies a warm flavor.

4. What is a good topping for butter cookies?
   Drizzling with melted chocolate or icing can elevate the cookies beautifully.

5. How long do I need to bake cookies?
   Most butter cookies bake for about 10-12 minutes at 350°F.

6. Are butter cookies the same as sugar cookies?
   Both have sugar, but butter cookies have a richer taste and texture due to the higher butter content.

7. Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
   Yes, a hand mixer will work great for creaming the butter and sugar together.

8. What types of cookie cutters are best for butter cookies?
   Any floured cookie cutter will work, but metal cutters typically create better shapes.

Baking these basic butter cookies is a joyful experience, perfect for any home baker, whether you are a novice or a seasoned pro. Enjoy the simple pleasure of creating these delightful treats, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures with friends and family!

Basic Butter Cookies

Delightfully rich and buttery, these basic butter cookies are perfect for any occasion, ideal for decorating, and a joy to bake at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 130

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) The star of the show, butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar This sweetener provides the necessary sweetness and helps achieve a golden color.
• ¼ teaspoon salt A pinch of salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature) Adds moisture and richness for tender cookies.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Gives the right structure and texture.
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar Adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness on top.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and well combined.
2. Mix in the salt and pure vanilla extract, then add the egg yolk. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix just until incorporated, being careful not to over-mix.
4. Divide the dough into two equal halves, shape each into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until firm.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll one piece of dough to 1/8 inch thickness between two pieces of parchment paper. Cut cookies using floured 2 to 3-inch cookie cutters.
3. Place cookies 1 inch apart on the baking sheets and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden.
5. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 130kcal

Notes

Tips: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can freeze the dough for up to three months.

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